The overall pipeline investment of about $850 million is expected to result in around $560 million of direct investment in NSW, with $290 million in Queensland.

Initially the pipeline will free flow 85PJ per annum with the possibility of increasing to 160PJ or more by the future installation of compressors. NSW currently uses 200+ PJ per annum.

It is anticipated that the project will provide up to 600 jobs during construction and 25 initial operation. Additional staff will be required when compression is added.

The pipe itself will be made of 130,000 tonnes of steel and will be buried approximately 700mm under the surface along its length.

“This pipeline will help alleviate gas shortage and bring down fuel costs in the Hunter and greater NSW. These shortages and resultant high transportation costs are a result of existing facilities being at full capacity.”

“With ever increasing power loads, particularly at peak times bought on by climatic extremes, its is obvious that NSW needs more generation capacity, and with the exception of a new base load coal fired generator with all of its environmental issues, there is no other option for NSW other than gas fired generators. This pipeline is the medium term future for generating power within NSW.”